“Let the name of the Lord be praised!” is a common phrase in the Psalms. Makes me wonder, “Which name?” The names El Shaddia, El Elyon, Adonai, Yhwh, and I Am That I Am are all used to represent God in the Old Testament. I can find the name “Lord” or the all caps version of “LORD” throughout scripture. While reading in Psalm 9 in the New Living Translation today, I found myself considering how well I know God’s name, as I read verse 10. It says, “Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, have never abandoned anyone who searches for You.” I realize that many people think they know God’s name. Some use it as a swear word, using it often, but never with reverence. Others refer to Him as “the man upstairs,” making Him impersonal and distant. Still others decide that He is one of many and reduce His name to insignificance by rendering it a vague noun with a lower case “g.”
Names are usually carefully considered as a child’s birthdate approaches. Some parents choose their child’s name to carry on a loved one’s memory. They decide to name their child after someone special. Child naming can bring out the competitive nature in a parent, causing the consumption of much time in research and soul-searching to find that perfect, and often unique, name to give their child to set them apart from all those around them. Add to that consideration the fact that the popularity of names changes from generation to generation. Once commonplace names of my grandparents, Orville and Edith, have lost favor in modern name choosing circles.
The choosing of a name varies among families and cultures. Some families place more emphasis on the meaning behind a name than on its popularity or how it falls upon the ear. I have read that naming a child in some ancient native American tribes was put off until the family took time to discover some of the nature of the child, giving thought as to who the child might become before identifying that child with a name. I know families who will only use Biblical names when considering what name to give their children. Other families pay homage to their favorite celebrity by naming their children after them. Names differ by culture, like John or Juan and Helen or Helene. Some names remain strong contenders in American society, no matter the decade, like William and Elizabeth. There are a variety of considerations to apply to choosing just the right name for a child.
As I pondered this issue, I discovered that the name of God in Hebrew is much more descriptive of God’s character, especially when used in different contexts and phrases. The Hebrew name of God translated for this verse is “Ma’oz,” which is translated in English as “Stronghold.” This brings to my mind castles with thick walls and impenetrable fortresses; places of safety that I cannot provide for myself; a sense of security amid chaos. I know this name of God intimately because He has been my refuge during many times of distress. I have run into His strong arms of protection when all around me has seemed insecure and He has been my strength and defender.
Dearest Ma’oz, my protector, my refuge in times of trouble, I lift this Hebrew name to You in respect and honor. I give You praise as my refuge in times past. I honor Your name as the source of my hope in a world that often leaves me feeling helpless and alone. I search out the meaning of Your name, so I can come to know You better. I know I am safe with You. I search for not only an understanding of Your name, but for an intimate connection to Your heart. Thank You for being so trustworthy. People fail me. Life sometimes beats me down, but I know that You, Ma’oz, will never abandon me. You are always by my side and Your Spirit resides in my heart.
I come to You today unable to defend myself against my enemies. My strength alone will never be sufficient to bring about victory over my tribulations. In a world where nothing makes sense, I can only run to You. Help me to trust You, even when I don’t understand why You take me through the dark valley of suffering and loss. I trust You to rescue me. I know that I will find peace in Your protecting arms. Today I search for the assurance that You will hold me through the storm I am facing. I know that I am not alone, but I am still afraid. Show me how to rest in Your arms and allow You, Ma’oz, to hold me in Your strong arms and carry me through whatever I must face by the power of Your love. You are always with me and that is enough!
Prayerfully Yours,
Terry Cotner
